2020 Benefitting Society Highly Commended: Northumbria University - UK

Northumbria University - Student Law Office – facilitating access to justice in the North East 

First established in 1993, Northumbria’s Student Law Office was one of the first legal clinics in the UK. Since then, its activities have grown exponentially, providing free legal advice and representation to approximately 300 people each year through the work of our students. The Student Law Office breaks down the barriers between academic study and real-world engagement to make a direct contribution to SDG 16 – providing legal representation and access to justice to those who might otherwise have none. The SLO works closely with Partners to maximise its impact as well as questioning and challenging current practice to influence law reform. The projects of the SLO not only provide Quality Education to our students through experiential learning and professional insight, but also address inequalities within education and social mobility – enabling a diverse range of students to advance their careers regardless of their own background and networks. 

Top three learnings: 

1. Start small and let things grow 
2. Develop mutually beneficial partnerships to ensure project longevity and the best outcome for all  
3. Keep the project central to the School’s mission 

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)